Govt outreach meets CJP demand for talks

Wangchuk links ending his fast to an assurance that protesters would not face punitive action

The Union Government and the protestors on Wednesday seemed to have struck a reconciliatory note with two ministers understood to have held talks with the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) at a neutral venue.

Sources said Union ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh met representatives of CJP at a bungalow near Jantar Mantar on Wednesday. The meeting was held at a neutral place as demanded by the CJP.

The CJP leaders had earlier said they would not go to Nadda’s office this time, claiming that they had waited for hours before the previous meeting. CJP chief spokesperson Saurav Das said, “We are not going to anyone’s office. We could meet at a neutral place near Jantar Mantar.”

Activist Sonam Wangchuk, who is on a fast and admitted in a private hospital, on his part expressed his willingness to end his fast on the condition that the agitators will not face any punitive legal action. These developments came two days after the national Capital witnessed clashes after the CJP workers attempted to march towards Parliament House on the NEET paper leak issue.

In a letter addressed to Nadda and Singh, Wangchuk thanked them for visiting him and assuring him that the government would consider his earlier demands. “Thank you for visiting me at the hospital last night and for your earnest appeal that I end my fast. During our discussion, you assured me that the government would positively consider the following: Adequate compensation for the families of students who committed suicide following the examination paper leak. A meaningful discussion in Parliament to ensure accountability, including consideration of the resignation of the Hon’ble education minister,” Wangchuk wrote.

“Therefore, I respectfully request an unequivocal assurance from the government that none of the young protesters will face any punitive or retaliatory legal action for participating in this movement. Their only ‘offence’ has been to raise their voice for a fair and accountable education system,” Wangchuk wrote. He also said that Union ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh had already assured him that the Government would positively consider his two other key demands.

“If such an assurance is given, I shall end my fast with faith that the Government has heard not only my appeal but also the aspirations of lakhs of young Indians. In the absence of such an assurance, I will be forced to continue my fast indefinitely,” he wrote.

Sharing the letter on social media platforms, Wangchuk said, “An appeal to the government regarding breaking my fast... Once the assurance from the government comes, I will also appeal to the peacefully protesting students to halt the movement for now and enter into dialogue with the government.”

Referring to the July 20 ‘Chalo Sansad’ march, Wangchuk said it “remained very peaceful despite the atrocities and disproportionate use of force by the police”.

“The entire nation and the world witnessed their patience and commitment to democratic protest. I sincerely hope that this faith in democratic institutions is not further undermined by any legal cases, harassment or vindictive action against those who participated,” he said. Around 65 MPs from different political parties had written to him, while several met him personally and urged him to end his fast, Wangchuk said.

In another development, addressing a Press briefing at the protest site, CJP chief spokesperson Saurav Das said police informed the outfit on Wednesday morning that Union Minister JP Nadda wanted to hold discussions and had invited them to his residence.  “We refused to go to anyone’s house or office. The people’s court is here. Ministers should come among the people. If they want to talk, the talks should be held at Jantar Mantar,” he said.

Das, however, said the movement remained open to dialogue and was willing to consider a neutral venue near the protest site if there were security concerns. “We are educated people. If there are security concerns at Jantar Mantar, we can meet at a neutral place nearby. We have always said we are ready for talks. It would be good if the issue is resolved through dialogue,” he said.

Govt hits at Rahul, Defends NEET probe

New Delhi: Union Minister JP Nadda on Wednesday asked the Congress to play the role of a constructive Opposition, asking the grand old party to join hands to find solution to paper leak issue.  Accusing Rahul Gandhi of trying to take political mileage out of paper leak issue, Nadda asserted Government is a responsible and that it is ready to discuss all issues on the floor of Parliament. He also listed incidents of paper leak that took place in states ruled by non-NDA parties.